Poem Analysis - Tommy

Introduction: A Soldier's Lament

Rudyard Kipling's "Tommy" is a poignant and bitter commentary on the treatment of the common British soldier by the society he serves. The poem, written from the perspective of a soldier (Tommy), reveals a deep sense of resentment and frustration at the hypocrisy of a nation that praises its soldiers in times of war but readily dismisses and disrespects them in times of peace. The overall tone is initially sardonic and accusatory, shifting towards a plea for basic human respect and understanding. The poem is effective in eliciting sympathy for the oft-forgotten soldier and exposing the societal inequalities of the time.

The Paradox of Valor: Disrespect in Peacetime

One of the central themes of "Tommy" is the **paradoxical treatment** of soldiers. The soldier is celebrated as a hero when war breaks out but is marginalized and ostracized in everyday life. The poem is structured around this contrast; each stanza highlights a different scenario – a pub, a theatre, public opinion – where the soldier faces rejection. The refrain "O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that..." becomes a symbol of this casual dismissal. This theme is highlighted when the speaker says they are treated as a "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot. This stark contrast emphasizes the superficial appreciation society has for its soldiers.

Beyond the Uniform: Seeking Recognition as Human Beings

Another key theme is the soldier's yearning for **recognition as a human being**, not just a uniform. The lines "We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too, / But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you" are particularly powerful. They strip away the romanticized image of the soldier and reveal the reality: ordinary men, susceptible to the same flaws and desires as anyone else. The speaker suggests a simple ask: treat us rational. The poem pleads for empathy and understanding, suggesting that soldiers are not inherently different from civilians and deserve the same basic respect.

Hypocrisy Exposed: The Band and the Drums

The recurring image of "the band begins to play" and "the drums begin to roll" represents the **hypocrisy of society**. The band's music and the drums signify a call to arms and a time of national crisis. In these moments, the soldier transforms from "Tommy" – an object of ridicule – into "Mister Atkins" or a "Thin red line of 'eroes," deserving of praise and gratitude. However, once the crisis passes, the music stops, and the soldier reverts to being "Tommy," again subject to scorn and neglect. These auditory images are used to show the conditional nature of society's respect.

Tommy's Final Stand: A Plea for Rational Treatment

In conclusion, "Tommy" is a biting critique of societal hypocrisy and a plea for the humane treatment of soldiers. Through vivid imagery, a sardonic tone, and the repetition of the "Tommy" refrain, Kipling exposes the stark contrast between the romanticized image of the soldier and the reality of his everyday experience. The poem emphasizes that soldiers are not merely instruments of war but are human beings deserving of respect and understanding, regardless of whether they are on the battlefield or back home. The final lines, "An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!" serve as a potent reminder that soldiers are aware of the disparity in treatment and demand a more just and equitable society. The significance of the poem lies in its challenge to audiences to consider the human cost of military service and the importance of showing consistent respect for those who defend their nation.